Kenya's motorbike taxis go electric as fuel prices surge

Fuel price spikes in Nairobi are hitting motorcycle taxi riders hard, forcing many delivery drivers to work at a loss. But electric motorbikes are emerging as a resilient alternative.

Powered by locally generated electricity, e‑bikes keep running despite fuel shortages and rising prices. With lower running costs and simpler maintenance, adoption of electric vehicles is accelerating: Electric motorbikes made up over 15% of new registrations in Kenya in 2025. Yet challenges remain, from charging networks to upfront costs.